Since 2018, all new cars in the US must be equipped with backup cameras because these devices are designed to make reversing easier. This is because they help you have a better view of the area behind your car.
But how to make backup camera turn on automatically? This is a frequently asked question. If you want to know it too, continue to read and learn all the essential information I have provided you regarding this topic.
How to Make Backup Camera Turn On Automatically
Shift your car into reverse so that the backup camera will turn on automatically. Moreover, once activated, a video display will show the area behind your car. That’s why the camera must be installed right above the rear bumper of your car.
Continue to read why the camera may fail to turn on automatically.
Possible reasons why the backup camera won’t turn on automatically
Sometimes, the screen won’t display anything even if the camera is activated. This can happen for various reasons.
Firstly, it might indicate that there is something wrong with the car’s electrical system. The fuse might need replacement. In that case, you must check the manufacturer’s manual. I must mention that every auto company is different. Therefore, the instructions for fixing the troubleshooting issues will depend on the vehicle itself.
A wrong installation could be a second reason. By this, I mean if you installed the camera yourself, you may have failed to wire it properly. In addition, if someone else installed it, they might have wrongly wired it to the reverse light circuit.
If you consider that you have proper technical knowledge, you can check the installation and fix it. However, if you don’t feel comfortable doing it, you must contact a professional.
Read more: Can You Use A Dash Cam As A Reversing Camera?
If the backup camera is turned on, but the video display is broken
Sometimes, you can successfully turn on the backup camera but still face issues. By this, I mean that the screen might show that there is no signal. In that case, I recommend resetting the camera or the display itself.
If this doesn’t bring the video display back to normal, then it can indicate that there is something wrong with the car’s electrical system. Again, this could refer to a loosened fuse, cable, or another electrical component.
Another common issue that many people face is a colorless screen. The video display will be in black and white only. This is likely a result of a wiring problem. In that case, check if all the cables are properly connected.
Other times, you may also face a completely black screen. This typically indicates that the camera is not powered. Moreover, to fix this issue, I recommend checking your car’s wiring diagram. You should also ensure that there is a proper cable connection.
Also read: Why Is My Dash Cam Screen Black?
If you are using a dashcam as a backup camera
If you are using a dashcam as a backup camera, then the activation process is slightly different. In this case, you only have to turn the ignition key to activate it. Once activated, your dash cam will automatically begin to record.
Furthermore, as studies show, dashcams and backup cameras are very effective. However, they are different and perform different tasks. They should be placed in different locations as well.
Considering all these, I do not recommend using a dashcam as a backup camera. It’s not an ideal solution because the dashboard’s screen is smaller compared to the backup camera’s screen. Therefore, it won’t be much of a help to maneuver your car.
Conclusion
So, now you know how to make backup camera turn on automatically. You should remember that sometimes the activation process can fail due to several reasons. The list includes a defective electric system, wrong installation, damaged fuse, etc.
On the contrary, if you want to deactivate your backup camera, just shift your car out of reverse. Some cars allow manual deactivation. This means that they allow you to turn off the backup camera by pressing a button.